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After five tumultuous months, which included the aftermath of the bin Laden raid and a few rounds of Indo-Pak diplomacy, last week Hina Rabbani Khar was sworn-in as Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs. To many, Khar seemed an obvious choice, serving as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs without a Foreign Minister for the last five months and previously serving as Minister of State for Economic Affairs under both the Musharraf and Zardari governments. While hardly surprising, Khar’s appointment was historic as she became Pakistan’s first female Foreign Minister and currently, the youngest serving Foreign Minister in the world. Suffice to say, the reaction to Khar’s appointment, both at home and abroad have been mixed, with some hailing the new FM as an example for Pakistani women everywhere and others decrying Ms. Khar as ‘just another feudal’.

Whether a savior or the status quo, Khar has been followed by a monsoon of commentary following her every move – from her running of Polo Lounge in Lahore to her outfits and accessories, there is little about her that has failed to feed the media hype. As she crossed the Eastern border, the media’s fascination with her appeared to have snuck aboard her PAF jet, as newspapers across India analyzed her fashion and style, with one outlet calling her “a perfect combination of beauty and brains” (luckily for her, her style’s been judged much better than the infamous Clinton pantsuits of another nation’s top-diplomat). Interestingly, I’ve struggled to find anything focusing on the style rather than the statements of Shah Mehmood Qureshi or Khurshid M. Kasuri or any of our previous (male) Foreign Minister’s.

While the double-standard between male and female politicians worldwide is hardly new, the debate over whether Khar’s appointment is a victory for Pakistan’s women appears to be. In a recent article for Foreign Policy, Huma Imtiaz argues that appointing our first female Foreign Minister is hardly a cause for celebration, dismissing her electoral victory in the NA-177 seat as based “of her last name and feudal lineage” and arguing that “women MPs being elevated to positions of power has rarely translated into real action or change for the women of Pakistan.” Not having studied the electoral politics of the Muzzafargarh II seat in-depth, I would be amiss to comment on the role her last name may have played in her victory – or indeed if it played a different role than that of any Pakistani politician from a landholding background. Indeed, whether or not dynastic politics played a role in Ms. Khar’s election may have more to do with the nature of politics and elections in Pakistan rather than women’s empowerment.

With regards to women’s empowerment however, perhaps the simple act of having our country represented by a woman at global forums and playing a highly visible role can do more than imagined. A paper by Esther Duflo, an MIT Economics Professor and one of the founders of the highly renowned Jameel Poverty Action lab (J-PAL) and others explores this issue. The paper acknowledges that “exposure to women leader’s does not alter villagers’ taste preference for male leaders. However, it weakens stereotypes about gender roles in the public and domestic spheres and eliminates the negative bias in how female leaders’ effectiveness is perceived.” Providing visible female role models in Pakistan can thus yield enormous benefits not only by inspiring the next generation of Pakistani women but also by dispelling stereotyped gender roles.

This is crucial to tackle another aspect of the double standard for male and female legislators – getting different marks for the same results. Studying the effectiveness of village councils in rural India after a quota for women’s participation was introduced, other research by Duflo and Petia Topalova found that “villages reserved for women leaders have more public goods” at a comparable quality, yet “residents of villages headed by women are less satisfied with the public goods”. Thus even when provided with more services at comparable quality, the villagers were less happy with the service than those in other villages led by men.

Pakistan has been making progress towards increasing female participation, and currently ranks 46th in the world with 22.2 per cent of the seats in the National Assembly and Senate filled by women. However, given that 17 per cent of the Senate and 18 per cent of the National Assembly is reserved for women, the 22.2 per cent of representatives quickly shrinks to between four and five per cent of elected representatives. Given the dearth of highly-visible, elected female politicians that can contribute to the national discourse and shape policies and priorities, perhaps when photos of Hina Rabbani Khar’s return from India are splashed across the nation’s media, we should focus on the peace process – and not her purse.

Faris Islam studied Political Science and History at Tufts University. He is based in Karachi, where he works in the development sector.

The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.

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Comments (86) Closed

Anil Sharma

Jul 28, 2011 12:26pm

There is not much to analyse about this appointment. It is a smart move by Zardari and Gilani. Just see the effect. SM Krishna, who disliked Qureshi in the past, had to extend a warm welcome to Khar. She also had a smooth transaction with Hillary. That is the power of charisma. Foreign Ministry of Pakistan can carefully guide and support Ms Khar in her diplomatic initiatives.

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SeekingSanity

Jul 28, 2011 12:28pm

A balanced piece...finally.

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Khan

Jul 28, 2011 12:39pm

the article moved from point to the other and in the end it was just.... pointless!

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Sakinah Imtiaz

Jul 28, 2011 12:46pm

I am woman. Hear me roar!

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H

Jul 28, 2011 12:54pm

Really nice article.

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Amol

Jul 28, 2011 01:04pm

a beautiful lady .... Pleasent to see such faces in politics...weather its India or Pakistan does not matter .....

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safdar

Jul 28, 2011 01:09pm

It is a good move of Pakistan to send HRk as foriegn minister to India. We should support her to take our country's image better to world.

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K. M. Nawaz

Jul 28, 2011 01:13pm

I feel that she is more of a western educated young lady, who has been contributing as Minister of State in the uplifting of Economy of the Country and later as State Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She may have a lineage to a feudal family; but for that matter, ZAB and BB too had the same progeny. What makes a difference is the exposure to education and that too in the West.

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Waheed Ahmed

Jul 28, 2011 01:19pm

Stay Honest and Love Humanity and pray to Allah she will be fine
.

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Mansour Qureshi

Jul 28, 2011 01:28pm

Extremely confusing article to follow. I can see he is trying to be positive, however i can't actually remember anything that I have learnt from this peice..

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manoj kumar

Jul 28, 2011 01:28pm

i think this is very important for pakistan and for all muslims country, to be select a lady for this post.she is very intelligent and very cute lady. we all Indians praised her. i pray to God she get success in her political career. good luck Hina....

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S Gupta

Jul 28, 2011 01:42pm

Much has been written about the significance of a woman representing Pakistan on the world stage, and the esteeemed lady's poise and sense of style. Surely also significant is the generational shift - in the subcontinent where gerontocracy is the norm and youth politics is led by 45 year olds, appointing a 34 year old (of either gender) in a key cabinet portfolio is an achievement that Pakistan can be proud of

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IRFAN

Jul 28, 2011 02:04pm

I do agree with contents of this article however i strongly disagree about double standards theme. Why we have build a tendancy not to appreciate a step forward. It hasn't changed the overall situation of woman in pakistan but it is good move forward even a symbolic thing so please at least cherish this. we already have too many things to cry about.

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Forbidden Fruit

Jul 28, 2011 02:30pm

I still see her as a fresh change even though people say she doesn't have the experience needed. She is at least educated, unlike many of the other parliamentarian chessmen with fake degrees. I can expect her to be better than them! As for her bag and bling, this is what we women are like by default. Of course this is wrong but Ms. Khar is not the only one to be judged. The society's full of women who spend millions to advertise their status!

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Awais Gillani

Jul 28, 2011 02:59pm

I must say the author, of this post, posses a negative attitude.

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Qaisrani

Jul 28, 2011 03:10pm

She belongs to strong political feudalist family.As far as her election as candidate is concerned,i would like to share her election campaign back in 2008 where her election campaign was run by his father.I was passing through Muzaffargarh and there was an election rally going on in which even she was not participating while the bill boards were photographed for her father and just marked her name only.She belong sto feudal family and strongly believes in keeping the people of her constituency oppressed.What sort of impact,her election has on the life of women of only her constituency? She has just been given so much atention just because of her media charming face.

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Khalid

Jul 28, 2011 04:14pm

Ms Khar comes across as a Citizen of the world. Mr Qureshi came across as insincere to many observers.

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hanif ansari

Jul 28, 2011 04:29pm

nice article but on the other hand she is flashing thousands of worth of jwellery purses sandals and glasses representing one of the poorest nations in the world. Dynastic politics apart no minister in india would dare to flaunt such wealth in such a brazen fashion. it's ludicrous and insult to suffering millions.

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Talha

Jul 28, 2011 04:41pm

@Khalid: Mr. Qureshi said what an ordinary man wanted too; he is my representer even when I am an urdu speaking.

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MaheshB

Jul 28, 2011 05:12pm

Cynicism aside, it is forthright refreshing to see a youngster in a major position tackling complex world affairs in which her charming demeanor is a big asset, just like it was for Benazir Bhutto. Further, the fact that Ms. Khar comes from a powerful family too is a good thing. I hope she is able to influence trigger-happy in both countries that anything that perpetuates the historical violence is simply not the right course to follow. She would serve everyone’s cause just fine as long as she’s fine tuned into the motives of those who guide her. I was very happy to see her meeting with displeased people of Kashmir. No, I did not like the Indian officials who reacted adversely to this. But then those who know the Indian democracy, too would know that many Indians have a tendency to overreact. Best wishes Ms. Khar – I hope Pakistan supports you.

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Talha

Jul 28, 2011 05:19pm

She just represented the glamour of her own rather than representing our view regarding Kashmir of a common man. Truly more deserving and literate are available for such critical posts. Its not Jinnah's Pakistan anymore but a land of feudal lords meant to be Presidents of Pakistan.

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agha

Jul 28, 2011 05:44pm

Its far better to have a moderate lady as a foreign minister then to have a mullah .. agreed that she comes from a feudal family but there is little doubt that she harbours any extreme views on development of women in a male dominated society.

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blacksheep

Jul 28, 2011 05:54pm

Great! let's have women do all the work that Men are required to do...This is not a positive for the society and leads to the chaos one finds across the Globe with respect to raising one's Family..

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Anis Muqtedar

Jul 28, 2011 06:13pm

You are a Male Chauvinist. The world will never progress until it gets rid of people like you.

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Jaam

Jul 28, 2011 06:44pm

Leaving aside how Ms. Khar was elected without running much of election campaign by herself, I see her as a good change on the front of foreign affairs. wish her all the luck and pray she is able to do something for fellow Pakistanis and for our Dearest Kashmiris.

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T. Khan

Jul 28, 2011 07:05pm

Khar-Rabbani; while nice ladders to ascend in the political arena; are 2 last names that represent different philosophies. Khar in partnership with Bhutto was a pioneer in differing with then dictator based on new (old but new to People of Pakistan) socialist ideology. Both him & his partner fooled the poor people of Pakistan with new ideology (Roti Kapra & Makkaan); however, their life styles and practices were far from what they preached. Rabbani represents loyalty & maintaining status quo to remain in power and always think along the party lines. Whereas too much attention is being given to Mrs. Rabbani-Khar’s charming personality, it would be nice if we can wait & see if she can bring in her individualistic style that may help Pakistan in its foreign policies. If she can only use this opportunity to prove that she has what it takes to help Pakistan then nepotism doesn’t matter and all of us are the winners. Mrs. Rabbani-Khar, please go beyond the fashion line and bring the image of Pakistan in the eyes of the world in-line.

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samar Texas

Jul 28, 2011 07:24pm

Would you please let me know what education she got in US i heard hotel management? Is it a qualification required to be foreign minister of Pakistan ?Ha Ha I live in USA i know what this course is?Not long time ago many pakistanies got admission in usa schools for diplomas(3months/6months courses) never went back to pakistan entered legally stayed illegally.In those days it was the easiest way to get in here now No More

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Mohit

Jul 28, 2011 07:25pm

She has my vote.... A smile is worth a thousand words.... What a pleasant change from a tight-lipped, fake accent, smarter than thou, chip on the shoulder person!

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faisy

Jul 28, 2011 08:24pm

I really don't think its a fresh change !! What she become is not her own struggle its just a family name.The criteria must be in merit without discrimination gender.

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Khizr

Jul 28, 2011 08:36pm

You have aply selected your name for the comment you have posted. Women needs to do more than massi management in the Pakistani society. Pakistan is economically very weak and everyone needs to contribute.

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G.Nabi

Jul 28, 2011 08:50pm

Like other dynastic leaders, she has lineage to landed 'elites,' even the PPP founder ZAB came from this class though he promised social equality which he never delivered. Foreign affairs are like a chess game, making moves and counter moves. question is - Is she qualified ? Charm & glamour work for a short spell.

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BRR

Jul 28, 2011 08:59pm

All this glamour is just a "fad of the day" and superficial gloss for a failed foreign policy that took decades to rot. With the Pak military driving foreign policy, and the whole world knows that, all Ms. Khar can provide is a diversion, and that too, for a short while - a pop culture figure with her own 15-minutes of fame. Unless the Foreign Minister has real power and decision making capabilities and opportunities, which is highly suspect, there can be no meaning to her appointment.

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jdshami

Jul 28, 2011 09:17pm

What Urdu speaking has to do with this???

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Asad

Jul 28, 2011 09:34pm

Thrilled to see Hina Khar in this post. A smart young woman representing pak is fantastic for a country whose global image has been taking awful beatings for the last decade

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Khwaja A Ali

Jul 28, 2011 09:52pm

Contesting and winning on NA seat from Muzafargarh might be Hina's last name charisma but elevation to the position of foreign minister job is certainly her talent and education. In the mean time her appointment might have a long term plan of President Zardari for South Punjab or future of pakistan, who knows. I see her in the prime minister house very soon, probably after the next election. Good luck to you Hina, although I am PPP founder worker from a place close to your home town, but am a worker/ jiyala not a feudal politician and will keep chanting Bhutto jive sada jive.........all the best, Khwaja A Ali,LL.M, Florida, USA

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saurabh india

Jul 28, 2011 10:43pm

i read that that purse is worth 12 lakh Rupees !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Vizarat

Jul 28, 2011 11:53pm

I thought Foreign Ministry was something that needed to be represented by a career diplomat. Is Ms Rabbani qualified with the right credentials. This position was never politicised. Neverthless she seem young and representing a muslim country. She will help eliminate the global impression that in Islam woman have a second class citizen role. "You go girl", "break a leg".

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A.Bajwa

Jul 28, 2011 11:56pm

Given her "professional" experience in Economic Affairs one would expect her to concentrate on economic aspects of our foreign policy. We had too much of classical issues such as strategic depths etc. With atomic bombs and long range missiles we have to think differently. Great game was a 19th century game. This is an age of regional groupings and globalization.

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Hamad

Jul 28, 2011 11:58pm

You are a credit to your nickname. Bravo! However for the educated minority both sexes are of the divine view that women also have brains. Having her as our FM was a brilliant move.

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Malik

Jul 29, 2011 12:12am

Not many politicians in Pakistan are educated therefore a highly educated woman with education and communication skills is a better presentations. We know who makes the policies and take the decisions on core foreign issues therefore I would only take as a beuatiful presentation and I am sure it will produce a positive outcome in may aspects.

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Arslan

Jul 29, 2011 12:28am

Its not about men or women, its about merit. No one will take her seriously

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wasim

Jul 29, 2011 04:35am

well i guess roberto cavalli and hermes birkin are peace makers. long live these companies

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Dkk

Jul 29, 2011 05:20am

I have always believed that any solution to problems among neighbors is developing a strong bond of friendship. I am delighted that the process might have begun with HRK visit to India. Forget about the entrenched opinions.

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Muhammad Farooq

Jul 29, 2011 07:12am

There should be no two opinion about the fact that her entry into the field as FM is attributable to her feudal background. At this stage of social development in Pakistan it appears impossible that any woman at such a young age with ordinary middle class or lower middle class background can become FM of Pakistan no matter how qualified or talented she may. Having said that, we should rejoice that we have a woman FM - a country where women are the worst sufferers gender-wise, as sisters, wives and mothers. I hope that Ms Rabbani would rise to the occasion and deliver the goods expected of a FM. At the same time I sincerely hope and believe she will not misuse her office to serve her personal interests an work hard to make a mark in the history of the country with her devotion and dedication to the job she has been assigned. All the best Madam!

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Sharma

Jul 29, 2011 08:25am

It is a great credit for Pakistan to send a messenger of peace between the two warring parties . I sincerely hope that her mission will be successful because both countries are in search of peace. Good luck to her if she is charming and comes from a rich background. Millions of Indians are her admirers.

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Shakeel.Quddus

Jul 29, 2011 08:35am

Considering all those many fronts where Pakistan had not been faring well, the arrival of Miss Hina shows the rich possibilities of faring with excellence. She appears excellent with a confidence suggesting intelligence.
Now , with Miss Khar around, men as well as women ministers of distant land must shape up. It is time to discard their old routines. It is time to take long hot shower and making sure not a hint of slack is visible. It is time to look hard at the mirror. The good old days of simply getting by is over. By her share presence, the room temperature has sky rocketed. It is time for the rest to step up to the plate.

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ZartajBano

Jul 29, 2011 08:59am

H.E. Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister visited India, mainly to discuss Kashmir issue, amongst other things. She was praised of her fashion sense, Jane Birkin handbag, Chanel sunglasses, her pearls and her diamonds, rings in her fingers, the sandal & so on during her talk with Indian FE, SM Krishna. She visited shrines of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aalia & Khawaja Gharib Nawaz in Ajmer and returned to Pakistan, with result that Pakistan, India to enhance trade, ease visa regime Vow to resolve outstanding issues, including Kashmir. i.e. as the saying goes “Khaya Pya Kutch Nhai, Glass tora 12 Annay”, but nothing specific on the burning issue of Kashmir.

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Tariq

Jul 29, 2011 09:18am

This is quite misleading blog. If some one think Hina Appointed (less deserving) will empower woman is living in a fools world. She belong to a Landlord or Feudal Family, where voters votes to their master rather than their abilities and gender.
I am disappointed that how our media remain so focused his this lady Glamor rather her merit to occupy such a critical post. Its seems that Zardari regime is breaking all recording of messing each and every department of Government.
If wonder in few months time Zardari might tries to appoint her daughter as COAS. This might empower more woman in Pakistan.

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Agha Ata

Jul 29, 2011 09:37am

Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar is a perfect lady, a desirable minister of foreign affairs, a perfect combination of beauty and brains. The only point that goes against her is her landholding background.

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sf

Jul 29, 2011 09:46am

Its not a matter of gender, its about qualification, experience, maturity, education. To appoint a 34 year old having graduated with a degree in hotel management with few months of experiece become a foreign minster just becuse she comes from an influntial family is bad omen for Pakistan. There are many women in Pakistan who are much more qulified. This is not a fashion show. I feel sorry for Pakistan.

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Hussain

Jul 29, 2011 10:03am

Qasirani and hanif ansari nails it .... coming from a feudalistic family one wonders whether she achieved it or got it?

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Shakeel GHOURI

Jul 29, 2011 10:18am

The writer have just praised about khar's glamour and style, and extremly focused on that it is revolution for the women across the country to stands with men to lead the nation. I'm not against it but is it possible that khar's would be at the same seat,regardless of her talent, educated status and beauty, if she was come of a poor family? the daughters of the ministers and politicians have long been the representatives of nation ; it is not for the first time. the first time will be that if this young woman can come up on the expectations of the poor people of our country, if she can mingle to other poor women to ask about their griefs and sorrows.

We must not let our selves be decieved by the praises of the Indian media and we must remember that Gorbachov, the last president of the USSR, was also praised in a similar manner by the westeren media before he set out to break up the former Soviet Union, just as the CIA would have wanted. Hina Rabbani Khar should be very careful.

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KISHEN

Jul 29, 2011 12:05pm

Thank God the government is encouraging the young youth......This is the future of Pakistan ...but will she be able to eliminate the fudal system in the country....

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Suresh

Jul 29, 2011 12:43pm

Nice article... It is so good to see at least a young person involved in the Indo - Pak dialogue who doesn't carry too much baggage from our past. Her visit is a huge success in the hearts and minds of people in India for the freshness in her approach.. It is also about time we give women in our countries a chance to address our longstanding issues - after all men have not been successful for the past 60+ years. I wish her good luck and hopefully the extremist elements would leave her alone.

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Zaid

Jul 29, 2011 01:44pm

It is good to see youth in our ministry, would like to see Imran Khan running the country inshaAllah. This is another step forward for young and educated talent to stepping up this ladder. May Allah help and protect our country and other muslim nations.

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Touseef Qayyum

Jul 29, 2011 01:51pm

apart form all others things, and gender issue the only nitty gritty satire on newly Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs are her landholding background and qualification, experience, maturity, education, the lady who did degree in hotel management, it is drastic pity..

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P Sehgal

Jul 29, 2011 02:18pm

Exactly! What is Urdu/Hindi got to do with this. Ms Khar is doing a great job. period. Gud Luck and may god bless India and Pakistan.

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Kalyan

Jul 29, 2011 02:18pm

We have kept our mind always opened...expect the same from the other side...

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kalyan

Jul 29, 2011 02:21pm

Altough there are few things to be liked about your country expect Wasim Akram and Nadeem F Paracha, I have no doubts Pakistani's are mostly very good looking people...

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a

Jul 29, 2011 02:29pm

keep writing Faris! you make a lot of sense!

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Tariq

Jul 29, 2011 02:31pm

Exactly....Bravo!

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Tariq

Jul 29, 2011 02:35pm

Exactly, by rushing this lady in Foreign Office Head, shows how serious and compose nation we are. Obviously any country Like would love to see Pakistan COAS just like her ability and quality.

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Hindu Kush

Jul 29, 2011 03:54pm

The same feelings are most of Pakistanis have about India!

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Iftikhar Husain

Jul 29, 2011 04:00pm

Female foriegn minister may make a difference in the male dominated foriegn politics.

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Hindu Kush

Jul 29, 2011 04:10pm

There is much difference between Urdu and Hindi!

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shahid

Jul 29, 2011 04:17pm

People do get floored by the way a person looks, attires and delivers the dialogues.
That is what a popular actor/ actress does.
In international politics one must have depth and breadth.
Ms Khar is an accomplished person as far as her training and buisness success is concerned
Hope she is considered a good and successful diplomat at the end of her present assignment.

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teluka65

Jul 29, 2011 04:56pm

Maybe it is time to let the younger generation on both sides of the border sit and discuss your problems.They have no previous "baggage" to carry.Times change it is time you both countries did to.It is time for sane people to talk to one another.Parties with vested interests like your army and racist politicians on both sides should realize the futility of their acts.Your demand for Kashmir will remain just that.Let these new generation work things out.It is time that the people have some peace.The question is ,will those with vested interests graciously give way?

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R S JOHAR

Jul 29, 2011 10:09pm

The article does not do justice to her flawless performance in India.

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Muhammad Farooq

Jul 30, 2011 02:37am

Amen!

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Ram Krishan Sharma

Jul 30, 2011 03:57am

Zaid wrote " May Allah help and protect our country and other Muslim nations."
What about India and other non muslim countries ? They need Allah's protection as well.

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Muhammad Farooq

Jul 30, 2011 08:19am

Nice thoughts. In reply to your question:The question is ,will those with vested interests graciously give way? My answer is No. On both sides of the borders there are vested interested they would cling to their old positions. Good thing is that at least ice is breaking; let's hope for the best!

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Tajammal

Jul 30, 2011 11:29am

Its a 'fluke' from your side, see your forums (TOI etc.)

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Syed

Jul 30, 2011 01:53pm

The outcry is not whether Ms Khar is a female, although it adds a lot of spice, but the fact that we have government of toadies, where political dynasties, feudal vote-banks, inherited ministries and privileges and owed favors can land a 34 years a position of FM, when the country is going through its toughest time in its history. At stake is the survival of this nation and its people, and although Ms Khar can be a class act on any ramp, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry should be the last place she should be allowed to strut her wears. Her dynastic ambitions and a president who never forgets his supporters, as we have night club managers and hospital administrator managing our country's energy policy, has allowed her to choose the portfolio which allows her to fulfill her craving for being a celebrity. But I guess this is the swan song for our country and we might well let a swan do the job of taking us to our sunset. We are doomed and this is just more pilf to help us along the way.

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kamran khan

Jul 30, 2011 10:01pm

i think shah mahmud qureshi was much best option than this lady in ths time.

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Pervaiz Arab

Jul 30, 2011 11:40pm

Of Course she is Good looking, graceful and above all very sharp and intelligent. What else we require from a young Minister, who is doing her best with confidence, it must be appreciated that so far she has done well and we may see better results comparing with the past Foriegn Ministers. God Bless her. Gender should not be discriminated for at least learned people.

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Kamal Malik

Jul 31, 2011 02:33am

I Fully agree with Faris Islam...

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Mastishhk

Jul 31, 2011 02:39am

For example..Mudassar Nazar and Anwar Saeed !!!

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Saad

Jul 31, 2011 07:10am

Yes may Allah protect all human kind. Thanks for pointing that out Mr. Sharma.

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Hassan

Jul 31, 2011 11:17am

I think the current foreign Minister of Pakistan is a very good fit for the position, Pakistan needs to show that we mostly give a high place to a woman in society and she can get ahead in all fields. Having a charming FM will certainly be good for Pakistan in one way or another.

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Syed Mohammad Ali Sh

Jul 31, 2011 06:02pm

I don't think making a women our foreign minister will make any difference to womenfolk in Pakistan. If we think freedom is, being in control of your destiny then most men are even not free, let alone women. I lived in West and had very good women friends, and I tell you what most women in Pakistan are more free than their western counter parts. In Pakistan women only do house chores, and in west they work for 8 hours which in reality is 12 hours if we count preparations, journey etc then they do the house chores on top of that like Pakistani women, I can go on and on but I don't think that will make any difference.

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Ashar Hameed

Aug 01, 2011 11:54am

Well said Syed. If our fellow countrymen still cannot comprehend the situation of the country and if they still cannot distinguish between ground realities of 2006/07 and 2010/11 then I guess we deserve our president, prime minister, foreign minister, interior minister and so on.

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Muhammad Farooq

Aug 01, 2011 07:15pm

Syed I think you are mixing freedom of women with free (leisure) time of women with your above example. Here we are discussing emancipation of women in terms of personal choices and decision making. What decision making power an average woman in Pakistan (with all the free time at her disposal) enjoys vis - a - vis a woman in the West, By the way I have been living in the West for over a decade now.
Everything has to have a beginning, it is better to have a women FM then having no woman FM. It will not bring a revolution but it will be a very small very very small part towards that end. All the best and blissful, blessed Ramadan.

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Azhar N.

Aug 02, 2011 09:57pm

She belongs to landed 'elites', that is all you need to become a minister in this government of 'elites'. Why even question her credentials ? The top elite in President House is there without any credentials except that he is dynastic leader.